4 best watercolor papers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The catalog of specialist shops for artists is quite wide. However, customers often purchase paper from the stationery departments of the markets. In this case, you need to focus on certain characteristics and tips:

1. Note that professional watercolor papers are rarely sold in scrapbooks. It is implemented in separate sheets.
2. Count the frequency of drawing lessons to be enough for a specific time.
3. It is worth looking for a product of a certain brand if the child draws professionally. You shouldn't choose premium stamps for drawings for fun.

It is best to consult with a teacher who teaches drawing, as well as to get acquainted with our rating, where we have reflected the best paper options for watercolor painting. When compiling it, the following factors were taken into account:

1. the composition of the paper;
2. precise shade of the surface;
3. drying time of the layer;
4. resilience to fixes;
5. work in various techniques;
6. the presence of pellets after getting wet;
7. price;
8. customer comments.

Consumer feedback played a secondary role, since a person could simply choose the wrong drawing technique on a given surface. It is difficult to say which paper is better – cotton or cellulose. Each type has its own pros and cons, as do the private traders in our rating. Artists' opinions on this matter are rather contradictory and subjective.

Rating of the best albums for watercolor painting

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best albums for watercolor painting	1	Lana lanaquarelle	RUB 2,870
	2	Album for watercolor Arches	RUB 2,590
	3	Kagaz-Junior 100% bleached wood pulp (300-600 g / m2 coarse grain)	136 RUB
	4	FABRIANO Artistico Extra White	RUB 2,989

Lana lanaquarelle , 300gsm, 100% Cotton, Medium Grain

Rating: 4.9

At the top of the rating is the paper of the Lana company, which uses advanced technologies in its production. The sheets are made of 100% cotton in troughs. It does not use bleaches or acids. Antifungal agents are added to the composition, which make the product even more durable. 'Lanakvarel' is suitable for any technique.

Artists freely retouch their works. They claim that the paper absorbs water evenly and can withstand any number of layers. The mask comes off perfectly and sticks. It is a great alternative to Arches paper. The sheet costs 455 rubles (56 by 75 cm).

Advantages

• high quality;
• withstands many layers;
• antifungal supplements;
• durability;
• no fluorescent brighteners.

disadvantages

• not.

Watercolor album Arches 300g / m2 (cotton) 2331cm 12 sheets

Rating: 4.8

The second place deserves Arches watercolor paper from the Canson brand. A professional product has been produced in France for many years using classical technologies. It is made entirely of cotton fiber and includes a natural gelatinous sizing. Each sheet is manually checked for quality. This approach ensures the durability and strength of the paper. The surface can withstand several layers of paint without any damage.

Buyers say Arches are ideal for watercolors and a variety of other techniques. According to reviews, the paper absorbs water evenly and dries quickly and predictably. You can safely add thick paint to a damp surface. Very nice transitions are obtained. An album with 12 pages costs about 2 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• 100% cotton;
• high degree of resistance to washout and scraping;
• compliance with international standards;
• beautiful transitions;
• uniform water absorption;
• withstands many layers.

disadvantages

• there are no serious disadvantages.

Kagaz-Junior 100% bleached wood pulp (300-600 g / m2 coarse grain)

Rating: 4.6

Next in the ranking is the rough textured watercolor paper from a Russian manufacturer. Material – 100% wood pulp. The product is in the form of sheets with reliable gluing and gelatinous surface.

Handmade paper is recommended for watercolors, ink, gouache, pencil and many other techniques. Buyers consider the product to be a high quality compromise at an affordable price. One sheet measuring 41 by 55 cm costs about 80 rubles.

Advantages

• manual ebb;
• reliable sizing in the mass;
• acceptable price;
• excellent surface quality.

disadvantages

• not.

FABRIANO Artistico Extra White

Rating: 4.6

Fabriano watercolor paper is made from vegetable fibers without the use of acids or chlorine. Such a composition guarantees the preservation of work for a long time. The product shows its worthy performance even when damaged. The sheets have a bright white color, which is achieved without the inclusion of fluorescent substances.

Experienced artists and picky lovers of painting will love paper. It is suitable for watercolors, charcoal, gouache, graphite and acrylic. Buyers say it's easy to paint fine details on it, but the dry brush doesn't work well. The product dries evenly. For 1 sheet measuring 57 by 76 centimeters, you need to pay about 490 rubles.

Advantages

• even drying;
• draw small elements well;
• perfect white color;
• high quality composition;
• wear resistance.

disadvantages

• not very suitable for the dry brush technique.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.